Budding runner inspired by Eliud Kipchoge to compete outside Kenya for the first time

Anthony Koech Kipchirchir is a man on a mission as he prepares for his first-ever road race outside the country.

Kipchirchir, who hails from Kapsoiyo, a little-known village domiciled in Elgeyo Marakwet County, is expected to race at the 2024 Arrow Venloop Half Marathon slated for Sunday, March 24 in the Netherlands.

In an exclusive interview with SportPesa News, the talented runner revealed that his aim is to register a podium-place finish.

When asked who he looks up to in the competitive athletics industry, Kipchirchir mentioned former marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge without any hesitation. According to the 23-year-old, he has learned a lot of valuable lessons from the two-time Olympic champion.

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“Kipchoge has taught me that without discipline, you cannot make it in athletics. Discipline is key for someone to achieve his or her objectives in life. Another lesson I have learnt from him is to focus on training and to avoid distractions,” stated the runner, who trains in Iten.

Kipchirchir surprised many people including his village mates in November last year when he overcame a strong field to win the Eldama Ravine-based Chemasusu Half Marathon in a lifetime best of 1:03.35.

He was closely followed by Jackson Kipleting and Emmanuel Bor, who stopped the clock s at 1:04.09 and 1:04.36 respectively.

At the much-awaited Arrow Venloop race, Kipchirchir will square it out for the top prize with several other star runners from the East Africa region.

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Among them is Kenya’s Josphat Kiprotich, who secured a third position at the 2023 edition of the race in a time of 59:41 behind compatriots Hillary Kipchirchir Chepkwony and Isaiyah Lasoi.

Kiprotich heads to the Netherlands with a personal best of 59:35 which he set at the 2022 Napoli Half Marathon.

Other Kenyan runners who have been confirmed for Sunday’s showdown include Charles Mbatha Matata (1:00.05), and Solomon Kipchoge (59:37).

In the women’s category, the Kenyan duo of Cynthia Jepkosgei and Veronica Loleo are the favorites to bag the title.

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